Customer Reviews

Lady of Milkweed Manor

5 star:		(58)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I didn't want to include any plot spoilers. Read on here with an open mind.

The Lady of Milkweed Manor is a sweet historical romance. For Ms. Klassen's debut work, the story is impressive. She uses a writing style that seems almost effortless. And she definitely knows how to keep you interested! In the beginning all we know is that Charlotte Lamb is leaving her home to settle somewhere new, away from her family. Her goodbye with her father is the only hint that things may be not all good for Charlotte. That she is not leaving for any happy reason, like getting married, a new position, visiting family or friends. You only have an inkling of what is going on. Her situation is not fully explained until a few chapters in.

The story seems very historically based and well-researched. The manor home is based on a real home that existed in London at that time. Each chapter begins with a quote from a historical figure or article- most being about milkweeds. Milkweeds are not the most attractive plants but we learn that they have medicinal and herbal properties that make them more useful than one would assume for a weed-looking plant. These quotes and the repeated presence of the milkweed carries out the theme that things are not always as they appear.

There are many interesting supporting characters. There is drama, intrigue, medical drama/action, history, and romance. Overall, Lady of Milkweed Manor is a great find. The plot may be a bit predictable at times but it's not overly so that it's annoying. It's a light read but with enough background and depth to make it riveting and intriguing. (The reason I hesitate to give it 5 stars is that I don't feel like it is a book so entertaining that I would be drawn to re-read.) I hope there is more to come from this very capable author! If you enjoyed this story, be sure to check out Silent Governess- I found it to be an equally riveting read- fans of Regency romances should gobble it up!!

This is a terrific work of historical fiction. I am not generally a reader of faith fiction specifically, but the religious aspect of this book was a perfectly natural complement to the story and anyone who loves historical fiction would probably enjoy it. I was drawn in from the very first page to the wonderfully satisfying finish. I cared deeply about the characters and I couldn't put the book down. For a first novel, this is an amazing accomplishment, and I can't wait to read more of Klassen's work.

As a father, I'm not exactly in the target demographic for "Lady of Milkweed Manor." However, my wife recommended it as a way to help understand her feelings surrounding the recent birth of our third child, and I found I enjoyed it much more than I anticipated.

First, the suspense is done very well. Charlotte piles lie upon lie in an attempt to maintain a semblance of control in a life that feels buffetted by circumstance. I enjoyed keeping track of who knows what, and guessing if and how it will all come crashing down. It was a welcome contrast to other women's literature, that all too often seems designed merely to evoke a certain emotion for 100 pages without advancing a plot. In this book the emotion is all there, but not at the expense of a solid story.

The characters were also done very well. From lords and ladies, to the lowliest of servants, to Charlotte who straddled both worlds, the characters were believable and all had something I could identify with.

My favorite part of the book is probably the least expected one: its sub-theme on what it means to "be a man." Many men have a place in Charlotte's life, with varying degrees of honor and loyalty, and varying ideas of how a woman in Charlotte's position should be treated. I can't say more without giving too much away, but suffice it to say I would like my daughters to read this book when deciding what kind of man they would like to marry (and what kind they don't), and I would like my son to read it when deciding what kind of man he would like to become.

The only thing keeping the book from full marks is the use of more modern english, even occasionally American english, in the narration. My wife found that made it easier to read, but for me it just broke the fourth wall somewhat. Overall, though, an excellent read.

Charlotte Lamb, a fallen vicar's daughter, hopes to secret herself away in London's Milkweed Manor. But once there, she is mortified to find herself in the care of a former suitor, a physician whom her father long ago rejected as unsuitable--a man who now hides secrets of his own. Both are determined, with God's help, to protect those they love. But neither could guess the depth of sacrifice that will be required of them.

Drawn from fascinating research about the secret lives of women in the nineteenth century, Lady of Milkweed Manor is a moving romantic drama about the redemption of past failings and the beauty of sacrificial love.

It's a rare book that forces me to press the pause button on my life and simply devour the story--this is one such book. Well-written, emotionally charged, unexpected plot twists, and an amazing balance of foreshadowing with backstory all lend to a remarkable debut novel by author Julie Klassen. The tension builds throughout and keeps the reader guessing until the last page.

Klassen has captured the best of Austen and Brontė. There are complex relationships and plenty of snooty nobility. The ambiance is generally foreboding and ominous which sets quite a gothic stage. This mixture combines into a haunting quality, leaving the characters on the mind of the reader days after the story has been finished.

The only thing I thought was a bit overdone were the references to milkweeds. Interesting, yes. Educational, admitted. But I found myself skipping over the quotes at the beginning of each chapter since the story engrossed me so much more. A small quarrel to be sure, but thought it should be mentioned.

Overall this is a fantastic narrative that will draw you into the era and wreak havoc with your emotions. Kudos to Bethany House for taking on this new author. I'll be sure to look for future titles by Julie Klassen. Once you've read Lady of Milkweed Manor, I've no doubt you'll be anxious for more as well.

Review by: Michelle Griep

Upon finishing this novel, I sigh in complete contentment. This is near one of the best novels I have ever had the opportunity to fall deep within the pages and stay for a while.



From beginning to end I had my opinions of how things should go, with the slight twists and turns I never had a clue how the plot would be. Sometimes I could not read fast enough, as a matter of fact most of the time. I would not believe certain things were happening.



This is a perfect novel in regency time and I can see a bit of Austen and Jane Erye. I can easily say that readers of such will enjoy this story. It is alike, but completely unique and what a tale it tells.



Julie Klassen is beyond talented with this work and I am shocked to admit it a debut. You can bet that I will read her new novel coming out soon, The Apothecary's Daughter. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. If I were able to surpass five stars, I have not a clue as to how many I would vote.



Throughout this book my heart was breaking. My soul was soaring with joy. It was one of those scenarios where you want to lay the blame, but within yourself you can see that the sinner is not much worse than yourself. Then you attempt to imagine what is going on and put yourself in their place. What would you do? How would you act? What would you want?



On a personal note, if too personal skip it, as a person who suffers depression, I can sometimes see how easy it would be to walk away from situations so hard with any foreseeable future or answer. But oh how incredible God can be when he works things out through time. His plan for us is so much more incredible than we could have ever thought. It really makes a person think.

This is truly one of the most emotionally gripping novels I've ever read and it is sure to make my best of 2008 list. My heart pounded with anticipation so many times I lost count. Just when I thought I knew what would happen next, something different took place. The author did an amazing job pulling the reader into Charlotte's life. I longed for her happiness. And there were so many powerful subplots that my head is still swimming with amazement, and my heart is still gripped by this strangely sad, yet hopeful and deeply romantic tale of love and loss, of sacrifice and reward. Bottom line...This story is so full of passion that it will make your heart sing.

Best of all, Lady of Milkweed Manor shows in a tangible and emotionally gratifying way how all things do work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. The element of sacrificial love in this poignant novel is so incredibly powerful that it will stick with me for years to come. I am so impressed with this author's "voice" and her ability to draw my heart into a story that I plan to read every books she pens from this day forward. I highly recommend this story. If you take my advice, you'll see why.

This book was one of the best I have read in some time! I read mostly christian fiction and find that debut books by new authors are some of the best, this one included. The 2 previous reviews somewhat tell the story line so I won't add more. I really liked the main character Charlotte, she was real. I would highly recommend this book. It will be interesting to see if this new author keeps up the good work!

I saw the description for this first novel by Julie Klassen and was immediately intrigued. It was not a disappointment. Julie used her years of editing knowledge to create a novel that was not only historically interesting and informative, but intensely intimate and gripping.

Surrounded by a subject that might at first seem an odd choice for a romance, the characters are hard to forget and the setting is so delightfully similiar to Jane Austen's timeless stories, yet less wordy and more descriptive for the modern reader. A great balance of a little dose of classical literature bonded seamlessly to a modern Christian romance.

A great new fiction author to add to my list of favorites!

Charlotte Lamb has made a mistake that will change her life forever. A mistake that her father the vicar refuses to forgive, a mistake that causes her sister to despise her, a mistake that sends her to a temporary home for unwed mothers. The man who contributed to her situation, Edward, had no intention of doing the honorable thing by marrying her, not when he could marry her cousin and gain a fortune. She is alone in this world, until she meets an old suitor, Dr. Daniel Taylor, who is battling his own demons. Daniel is married to a woman who suffers from manic depression due to her pregnancy. He loves his wife and remains faithful to her, but still has feelings for Charlotte. Charlotte is unable to keep her darling son and makes the ultimate sacrifice that any mother would dread to make: she gives away her son to the very man who so cruelly slighted her. Meanwhile, Mrs. Taylor gives birth to a little girl who they name Anne. His wife is unable and considers it beneath her to nurse her daughter, so Charlotte steps in as the baby's wet nurse and nanny. The awkward situation continues even a little while after his wife does better, at least until Charlotte feels that it is time for her to move on. She takes a different position as a wet nurse for another couple but doesn't hold that occupation for very long. Mrs. Taylor is pregnant again and in a drastic attempt to return to her country, she dies. To help her old friend, Charlotte returns to caring for Anne as if she were her own daughter. When the proper time of mourning passes, Daniel proposes to Charlotte, but she refuses because her soul still needs healing after what she experienced. A few years pass, Edward's wife dies and it only makes sense to him that he should make Charlotte his wife, that way she could finally be a true mother to her son.
I swear, no matter how many times I read "The Lady of Milkweed Manor," I always end up crying like a baby. Then ending is bittersweet and everything you could hope for for Charlotte. The Christian message is subtle and not at all preachy. While Charlotte loves her son with all her heart, she regrets her mistake and is humbled through out the story. In the flashbacks she is shown as a carefree and innocent girl, after her "fall" she matures into a strong, independent young woman. I also admire the character Daniel Taylor; here is a man who loves and is attracted to another woman other than his wife, but there is no place in the story where he cheats on his wife or treats Charlotte with any impropriety.
Julie Klassen's newest book, "The Apothecary's Daughter" is out in the bookstores now and I eagerly am waiting (not so patiently) until I can read it.
http://veronicaleigh.blogspot.com

In Regency England, Charlotte Lamb, a proper vicar's daughter, has committed the ultimate social disgrace by becoming pregnant out of wedlock. Turned out of her home and shunned by her family, Charlotte goes to a lying-in hospital to avoid the shame of anyone else finding out her secret. But once there, she is at first stunned, and then reassured, to discover that her one-time suitor, Daniel Taylor, is now a physician at the facility. Can the romance between the two be rekindled, despite Charlotte's fall and Daniel's manic wife?

Ms. Klassen has penned an exquisite first novel that echoes the era of Jane Austen in both setting and style. Charlotte is humbled by her disgrace, yet manages to persevere through several difficult choices. I particularly enjoyed the milkweed theme which was woven throughout the book, and the statements taken from actual texts of the day that begin each chapter. This novel engaged me from the first page, and I can highly recommend Lady of Milkweed Manor to anyone who delights in Regency romance.

Thanks to The Historical Novel Society for bringing this book to my attention!